After taking a few muscle relaxers I’ve come down somewhat from the Mattingly tirade.  And part of the reason is Mattingly himself.  I did not hear his phone conference but read about it last night.  And let me tell you, he’s a better man than me and that’s part of the reason why I like him.  He said all the “right” things but didn’t pretend that he wasn’t disappointed.  He was grateful, respectful and is taking this in stride.  One of the things that I liked the most was when he was asked about George Steinbrenner – about whether he was promised the job.  He made sure that everyone knew that George promised him nothing and said he wouldn’t want it that way.  Mattingly said he wanted to “earn” it which is exactly how he was a player. 

As for the immediate future of this team.  I haven’t really commented on A-Rod.  Well, I enjoyed having A-Rod here for a few years and I like him as a player, but good-bye.  I believe the Yankees were going to make him a fair offer.  But having the biggest contract twice in his career is more important.  His priorities are different than ours, that’s the bottom line.  It is essential that Mariano be brought back (I think they are on their way toward doing that).  And also Posada.  Losing A-Rod’s production hurts, you’re going to tell me that we’re going to lose Jorge’s too?  No, we can’t sustain that without getting another big bat.  And, as of this moment, I can’t identify one.    

Even though I’m not on board with Girardi, he will get a honeymoon period from me, just like any other manager.  I am concerned that we have Cashman “running wild” so to speak.  I don’t give him credit for expiring contracts, heck anyone can do that.  It’s harder to built a good bullpen which I would point out he’s been unable to do for the last several seasons.  Cashman needs to get a third baseman, a competent one.  I’m sorry, I can’t give the job to Wilson Betemit.  There’s got to be another option.  Miquel Cabrera?  I don’t know – the Marlins will probably ask for too much.  Besides, the point of all this is to keep the young pitching intact.Â